Being Filipino

Euphemism: the substitution of an agreeable or inoffensive expression for one that may offend or suggest something unpleasant. (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/euphemism)


Good morning! While I am drinking my steamed milk, and in between munches on pan de sal, I want to talk about how we Filipinos are generally so polite, how we as a people redefined the whole meaning of the word above. Either it be to be polite, or to show intense sarcasm (saying, "uuuy, ang baby kasing cute ni Elmo sa sesame street" to mean that the baby looks like a monster), it is not a small feat that we Filipinos have sucessfully manuevered the usage of words to our advantage.

Take for instance, like Amy, our supercoach, said, if the baby is really so cute, the person would actually say "Ay, ang cute naman ng baby!" but if the kid is not so cute, the same person would exclaim "Ay! Ang laki-laki na nya!". Good point, eh?

So it just shows anyone that the Filipino is such a euphemistic race. We're so keen on not offending, to the point of our own discomfort. For example, an officemate you're not so close with offers you a ride in a non-aircon car. So all the way from Makati to Commonwealth you have absorbed all the air and dirt and smog. Officemate apologizes, and you would naturally say:"Okay lang. Okay nga yung fresh air eh..."

But maybe that's a good trait. It sure is as hell funny when you think about it